| Clay roof tile is actually one of the oldest building | | | | look. |
| materials that is still used on a regular basis. | | | | Once clay roofing tiles come out of the kiln, a |
| Archaeologists have discovered clay roofing tiles in | | | | protective glaze is applied in order to minimize the |
| Greece dating back 4000 years; this material was | | | | effects of time and weather. |
| also used by the ancient Egyptians, Indus Valley | | | | Beautifying Your Home |
| Civilization and China. The Mediterranean styles of | | | | Clay roofing tile is not only durable, it adds color |
| clay roofing tile have had the greatest influence, | | | | and visual interest in different ways. One of these |
| however; adopted first by the Romans and then | | | | ways involves the play of light and shadow over |
| spread to the New World through Spanish | | | | the course of the day; different shaped clay |
| colonists and merchants, clay roof tiles continue to | | | | roofing tiles cast different kinds of shadows over |
| be a popular roof covering. | | | | the course of the day. |
| The Process | | | | A Caveat |
| Clay roof tile is very similar to a piece of fine | | | | Two issues to remember about clay roof tiles are |
| ceramic pottery. Like pottery, clay roof tiles | | | | climate at weight. Clay roof tile was designed for |
| undergo the kiln-firing process, which makes them | | | | a relatively warm, dry climate. There are |
| very hard and durable; a roof made from such | | | | however grades of clay roofing tile that are made |
| materials can easily last a century or more. The | | | | to stand up to colder, wetter and harsher |
| difference is that clay roofing tiles cannot be | | | | climates. |
| formed by hand; they require a specially designed | | | | The other issue is weight. Clay roofing tiles are |
| mold. This mold serves two purposes: | | | | considerably heavier than composite shingles or |
| 1. it insures that the tiles interlock properly | | | | even cedar shakes. Ideally, your home will be |
| when installed | | | | designed with the installation of clay roof tiles in |
| 2. it permits the design of channels that | | | | mind; the structure will be designed to bear the |
| direct rain off the roof | | | | greater load. If you are planning to install clay roof |
| Like ceramic pottery, clay roofing tiles can be | | | | tile on an existing home that was not designed |
| made with pigments that can change the color. In | | | | for them, you should consult with a qualified |
| addition, there are applications and materials that | | | | contractor before going ahead. |
| can be used to give them a rustic, weathered | | | | |